About Helen

I have always been interesting in living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and used to do what I could. Now, I have come to realise that we have reached such a point in terms of environmental degradation that it is more important - perhaps - to focus on building resilience. I therefore do as much as I can to reuse, grow my own and encourage a supportive community, for example. I also keep reading and learning all the time.

A bit late to the party, I was only recently introduced to Heritage Open Days, which are a ‘festival of history and culture’, according to the aforementioned website. In other words, they are an opportunity to be given a guided … Continue reading →

Earlier in the year, one of the other members of my Knit and Natter group gave me a plant for my bog garden. It had been in her garden but she couldn’t remember what it was. Over the past few … Continue reading →

I cleared away the rocket growing around it. I had somehow not expected the soapwort to have flowers. I’d been thinking purely in terms of its potential as an alternative to soap. However, soap which also flowers seems a good … Continue reading →

It never occurred to me when I bought my house ten years ago that I would become obsessed by pigeons. However, there we have it…. Yesterday, when I looked out into the garden, I noticed one such sunbathing by the … Continue reading →

I had been thinking of allowing the birds to eat all the crab apples but when I saw there were some huge apples at the top of the tree I just had to help myself to them. And for the … Continue reading →

Earlier in the summer, I reported that my tomatoes were struggling. Then the plant in the pot near the pond leapt ahead and is now laden with tomatoes. Unfortunately, it has been somewhat neglected and apart from being parched it … Continue reading →

I’m so glad we went the festival held at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage in Devon this weekend. Being outdoors with others who are inclined to share one’s views is relaxing, if nothing else. However, of course, there is also always … Continue reading →

Last week, I was concerned about a moulting pigeon. It looked in a tattered state with its head and neck feathers gone and seemed to be hanging around the garden rather forlornly. However, I now know why it is spending … Continue reading →

I rarely reblog a post but I think this one. Fishing 4 Litter, on the official blog for the North York Moors is important to disseminate. By now, I would have thought most people are aware that plastic is a … Continue reading →

When I bought my pond plant in order to oxygenate the water, I was warned that it might take over and I think it is even banned in Ireland because of this. However, I don’t personally see the threat: True, … Continue reading →